FORE LAKES GOLF CLUB ( 810-982-3673)
Michigan Golf Course Review 5/29/05
Fore Lakes - simply put - is one of the top golf experiences in Southeastern Michigan. Since we initially reviewed
the course several years ago, this property has experienced tremendous growth and improvement. So much so,
that instead of updating, we felt we had to do the review all over again...First of all there are now 2 practice
greens, one for putting only and the other with chipping allowed. A grass range is just a short golf cart drive away,
and the carts themselves are of the upscale variety, with compartmentalized dashes and ball & club washers. As these photos indicate, the views from the second story clubhouse patio are extraordinary.
The cedar paneled clubhouse is wonderful to look at even better to experience. Passing through the small pro
shop, one is astounded by the roomy restaurant/lounge, which can also serve as function space for golf outings.
Full lunch and dinner menus are available in this comfortable surrounding, and on the second floor (serviced by
stairs or elevator) is a wonderful banquet facility, with flexible space that can accommodate up to 500 people!
The Torello family had the beautiful chandeliers fashioned uniquely, patterned after those present in the Motor City Casino in Detroit.
On course the fairways have yardage blocks AND color coded stakes to indicate 100, 150 and 200 yard areas,
and the sprinkler heads are also measured to the center of the green. We appreciate that the cart paths also
have yardage indicators, as do each tee box. Color coded flags indicate the front, middle or back hole locations,
on the superbly conditioned putting surfaces, which are medium to large in size, quick in speed, and generally
mild in undulations. While some are ridged or double-tiered, there are plentiful level areas that will reward good
shots with make-able putts. This is true on the opening hole, which features two greens - one to be played as a
par four (for those unable to carry a formidable water hazard) and the other over water, as a par five. Photos of the approach and from behind the green are posted above.
The second hole leads back to the clubhouse (photo above) and is beautifully bunkered, with water also in play
on the right. The initial six holes can be a great confidence builder, as good shots can lead to some low scores.
There is ample room for slightly offline tee shots, which affords golfers an opportunity to warm up before reaching
the challenging three remaining holes on the front. All three are rather long par fours, with sand and water in play.
The 8th, with an island green complex, can be especially challenging for a first time visitor. The ninth features
trees on the right and water immediately left all he way to the green. Water hazards are less in play on the back
side (on four of the nine holes), but sand becomes more prominent. Number 18 is a good example, as sand
traps occupy the sides of the fairway near landing areas of the first and second shots, and 4 more bunkers guard the green.
There are five sets of tees at Fore Lakes, with the tips measuring 6674 yards/126 slope. Alternate sets play to
6222 yards/121 slope, 5655 yards/112 slope, 4934 yards/118 slope for women, and 4289/103 slope from the
forward areas. As the slope ratings indicate, this course is women-friendly. You need look no further than the
initial hole, which allows golfers to choose the par four green along the left side of the fairway, instead of
demanding a long carry over one of the 4 lakes. With water in play on 14 holes however, there is never a dull
moment here! From the back tees, there are some very formidable carries. The average golfer should be able to handle the blue tees here, as there is only 1 par four of 400 yards plus.
First time visitors will really appreciate the hole diagrams - with helpful tips - on the scorecards. The Folks here
obviously want folks to enjoy themselves here, and have gone out of their way to make sure golfers will want to
come back. We recommend a visit her without reservation! Golfers will be challenged, but they also will be
rewarded for good shots. Great conditioning, wonderful layout, beautiful facilities, friendly service...Fore Lakes
has it all! The property is easy to get to, just minutes off I-94 and I-69 south of Port Huron. It is worth the drive from
Detroit. Visit our page for Fore Lakes for more info, including a map, directions, and a direct link to their website by clicking here.
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